Kochi Metro is all set for an overhaul. People who love a taste of liquor to make their evenings perfect will be in for a treat. The Beverages Corporation's proposal to open premium foreign liquor outlets at metro stations is under active consideration by the relevant departments.

The Metro authorities have agreed to provide commercial space at the Vyttila and Vadakkekotta stations in the first phase. The excise department has already given the green light for the sale of liquor at Vyttila.

Despite the big news, the sales will conform to certain rules. Liquor purchasers will not be allowed to open the bottle inside the metro station premises or the vehicle. Only people with tickets for the metro will be able to purchase the bottle. Premium outlets are being set up to attract urban professionals, tourists, and nightlife enthusiasts. Brands priced above Rs. 1000 will be available for sale. If the scheme ends up giving positive results, more such outlets will appear across different stations. At the same time, protests are also brewing up against the new proposal. There are concerns about anti-socials camping at this spot during night hours, putting the safety of women and children passengers into question.

The metro route to Nedumbassery Airport is also under discussion. The second phase of the Kochi Metro project extends from JLN Stadium Station to Infopark via Kakkanad. The project, named Pink Line, is progressing for Rs 1,957 crore. It is noteworthy that the second phase of Kochi Metro will extend to Infopark, providing much-needed relief for IT employees.

Previously, various banks and other commercial institutions had been allotted space on lease at metro stations. SBI was allotted space at the Aluva and Companypady stations, Federal Bank at the Aluva station, and Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda at the MG Road stations